4 abnormal smears...now what?

[NewPatchesForOld]

I've been back and forth to the colposcopy clinic for the last 2+ years after an abnormal smear. I've had smears in the hospital, LLETZ procedure biopsies etc...I went back for my 4th hospital smear and on the screen they could see no abnormality BUT I then got a letter saying that, once again, I had borderline abnormailities. Now, when I had my LLETZ treatment I was CIN2 and 3 so pretty bad, and my body just won't clear it so what happens now? I phoned the clinic and they have told me that as I have had 4 abnormal smears they will now have to consider options. What options are there? I'm realistic, and I do know that many women have a hysterectomy at this stage but I wondered if anyone else has had this experience on here? I'm 43, have completed my family, and as I'm a single mum anything which will increase my chances of being around to see all the kids grow up is a viable option so a hysterectomy doesn't scare me. Can I indeed ask for one? Whatever is causing the cell changes just won't go away. Any ideas?

bumping for you

Hallo
There's a few factors to consider for what happens next.

1. Although you've had another abnormal, it is a borderline changes result, this is not definite dyskaryosis, rather there are cells which can be due to infection, inflammation as well some sort of abnormality.
2. How many negatives have you had since the CIN2-3?
3. would they be able to offer you an HPV test? This should be coming in soonish in the NHS, that would give an idea of whether you are cleaing the abnormality
4. How many LLETZs have you had so far? What do the clinicians think - how much cervix is there left? They may discuss your case at an MDT (multi-disciplinary team meeting) where all the specialities (cytology, histology = pathology) and colposcopy get together review all the sample and notes and work out what they think is going on.
5. Hyst: it depends on their take on it and your medical history etc but if you're thinking about a hyst then it raise with them and they'll be able to tell you whether they think that is a sensible next step.

Summary - there are options other than a hysterectomy, it depends on your individual circumstances, talking through yours will hopefully give some clearer answers.

Hi, sorry for the delay.

Ok, firstly when I had CIN2/3 the results told me there were borderline changes, it was only when I got to the colposcopy clinic that they told me it was CIN2/3, so I'm worrying that it's the same thing.

I have only had one negative since - that was my 6 month colposcopy after the lletz.

I have no idea about the HPV test, they never mentioned it but I have an appt at dr this morning so will mention that.

I have only had one lletz but I believe quite a bit of cervix was taken. However, I have a history of recurring abnormal smears so they told me that they may well do further treatment sooner rather than later as it just keeps coming back. When I say history of it I mean I had several abnormal ones a few years back also.

I am going to GP this morning as something is definately not 'quite right' down there, so will let you know what she says.